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Bahamas Marriage License
Info & Requirements
Residency Period
Both parties must be in The Bahamas at the time of the application. Couples may apply a day (24 hours) after their arrival. They can be married once they receive their approved license the day after application.
If you arrive via cruise ship you will be required to obtain a letter from the ship's purser, confirming that you have met the residency period by being in Bahamian waters for 24 hours.
Apostille
Many countries now require that official documents, such as international marriage certificates, be certified by the issuing country. In The Bahamas, this means that an Apostille (a special seal) is applied by the relevant authority to certify that a document is a true copy of an original. The Apostille can be made available to you within 30 days of the request. Your Wedding Planner or Marriage Officer will assist you in this regard.
Applications:
Marriage licenses and certificates are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30a.m. – 4 p.m.:
Address: P.O. Box N-532
Nassau, The Bahamas
Phone: (242) 323-0594
(242) 323-0595, (242) 323-0597
Fax: (242) 322-5553, (242) 393-7908
Warning: Because the licensing office is closed on weekends and Bahamian holidays. To be married on a weekend and in order to meet the to meet the 24-hour residency requirement, a couple must have to arrive in the Bahamas no later than the Wednesday before their wedding.
Download marriage licence application
Download application for certified marriage certificate
Renewal of Vows
There is no need to apply for a license if you wish to renew your vows.
Fees:
marriage license is $120 inclusive of one certified copy of a marriage certificate. Extra marriage certificates are available at $20 each. Apostilles are $10 each.
Proof of Identification and Residency
Both parties must produce a valid passport, birth certificate and photo ID. The parties must also produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Immigration Card or entry stamp in your passport will suffice.
Blood Test
None necessary.
Witnesses
Two witnesses at least 18 years old must sign your marriage license. Witnesses can be provided.
Single Persons
If either party is single and never been married before, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence. This document must accompany the application for the marriage license. This declaration can also be obtained in The Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or notary public.
Divorced Persons
If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the final decree must be produced.
Minors
Those under 18 may be married with both parents' consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the Registrar General's office.
Widowed
If either party is widowed, the original death certificate or certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the death certificate must be produced.
Marrying in The Out Islands
Couples wishing to be married on The Out Islands (any island outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama) can obtain a Marriage License at the Administrator's Office on that island.
To Bahamas Wedding Planners
To Caribbean Weddings Homepage
To Grand Bahama Homepage
Return to Bahamas Homepage
(GTCV.com is not responsible or liable for any changes in requirements
or errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to take charge of your own
wedding.)
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